Honoring the Leaders Shaping San Antonio’s Aerospace Future

Be part of the future of aerospace in San Antonio. Join The Dee Howard Foundation on September 15 for the 2026 San Antonio Aviation and Aerospace Hall of Fame Luncheon, a celebration of the pioneers, innovators, and community leaders whose work continues to shape our region’s aviation and aerospace legacy.

Each year, this signature event honors leaders whose vision, service, and impact have strengthened San Antonio’s standing as a global aerospace hub. Just as importantly, proceeds from the luncheon support The Dee Howard Foundation’s educational initiatives, helping connect students across our community to hands-on learning experiences in aviation, aerospace, drones, advanced technologies, and related career pathways.

2026 Hall of Fame Inductees

At the luncheon, we will honor five leaders who have helped build and strengthen San Antonio’s standing as a global center of aerospace and aviation innovation excellence, and a member of the next generation of leaders blazing trails here on Earth... and beyond.

LEGACY AWARD

Dan Gonzales

The 2026 Aerospace Legacy Award honors Dan Gonzales for his transformative leadership and lifelong impact on San Antonio’s aerospace industry.

A San Antonio native, Gonzales began his career at Kelly Air Force Base, where he rose from a GS-5 engineer to GS-14 Branch Chief and helped guide critical operations during one of the most important periods in the region’s aerospace history. As Vice President at StandardAero and the longest-tenured leader in the company’s San Antonio operations, he has helped sustain and expand mission-critical propulsion programs supporting the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and allied partners.

His leadership has also strengthened workforce pathways through his involvement with Alamo Academies, UT San Antonio, SAWORX, the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, and The Dee Howard Foundation.

INDUSTRY IMPACT AWARD

Mark Huffstutler

The 2026 Aerospace Industry Impact Award honors Mark Huffstutler for his entrepreneurial leadership and lasting contributions to aviation innovation in San Antonio and beyond.

From earning his pilot’s license at age 16 to building a portfolio of respected aerospace companies, Huffstutler’s career reflects a deep commitment to excellence, innovation, and service. Through Sierra Industries, SkyWay Group, and FlighTime Business Jets, he has developed more than 300 proprietary aircraft modifications, advanced business aviation services, and helped establish critical aviation infrastructure across South Texas.

With more than 19,000 flight hours and certifications spanning pilot, instructor, mechanic, and engineer, Huffstutler has helped make aviation more accessible, practical, and impactful for the community he serves.

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE Award

Joseph Hernandez-McCloskey

The 2026 Aerospace Hope for the Future Award honors Joseph Hernandez-McCloskey for his outstanding contributions to aerospace innovation and his commitment to developing future talent.

A San Antonio native, Hernandez-McCloskey is the founder of PhiNyx Technologies, Inc., a space technology company focused on making rocket and space hardware faster and more accessible to develop. He is currently completing his PhD in Mechanical Engineering at UT San Antonio and was selected as a NASA Space Technology Graduate Research Fellow.

Through his research, mentorship, and entrepreneurial work, Hernandez-McCloskey represents the future of aerospace in San Antonio: technically excellent, mission-driven, innovative, and committed to helping build the next generation of industry leaders.

“San Antonio’s aerospace legacy is built by leaders who combine vision, service, and action,” said Joe Fisher, President of Hallmark University and Chair of The Dee Howard Foundation. “This year’s honorees reflect the very best of that legacy while helping inspire the future workforce our region needs. Each honoree represent the full arc of San Antonio’s aerospace ecosystem, from legacy leadership and industry innovation to the next generation of aerospace entrepreneurship."

Supporting Students and Strengthening the Future

The Hall of Fame is more than a celebration of past and present achievement. It is also an investment in what comes next.

Through The Dee Howard Foundation’s growing programs, students are gaining exposure to real aerospace career pathways through drone competitions, educator externships, STEM engagement, industry partnerships, and hands-on learning experiences. Each sponsorship and ticket purchase helps expand those opportunities and ensures more young people can see themselves in the future of aerospace and advanced technology.

“At the heart of this event is our commitment to students,” said Christopher Mammen, Executive Director of The Dee Howard Foundation. “By honoring these leaders, we are also expanding opportunities for young people to explore aerospace careers, build skills, and connect with the mentors and experiences that can shape their futures.”